Share it:

Joseph S. Blatter meets Michelle Bachelet

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter met Chilean President Michelle Bachelet in Geneva on 3 June. Also in attendance was Harold Mayne-Nicholls, the President of the Chilean football association. The main topic of conversation was upcoming projects in Chile, and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in late 2008 in particular. Blatter reiterated that the South American country enjoys his full support by telling Bachelet: I thank you for your commitment to women’s football and for your initiative to introduce sport to the Chilean school curriculum.”
Blatter and Bachelet also agreed that football has a key role to play in the development of individuals and society, as well as in education. “Sport in general and football in particular is a school of life. It teaches you discipline, respect for others and solidarity,” said the FIFA President.
Bachelet also confirmed that Chile would be bidding to host the Copa America in 2011 to mark the 2oth anniversary of the last time that Chile opened its doors to CONMEBOL’s flagship event. Discussions also touched upon FIFA’s recent decision to ban international matches at an altitude of more than 2,500 metres above sea level.